Rochester Man Admits to Assaulting and Severely Injuring Amputee

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester man has been released without bail while he awaits his sentencing hearing for an assault that left an amputee severely injured.

Twenty-one-year-old Tongol Pal Ruach was charged last September in connection with the assault, which was reported in late August of last year. According to the criminal complaint, Rochester police responded to a report of an assault at an apartment in the Central Towers complex in downtown Rochester and found the victim, who has one leg, lying on the floor.

Blood Found Throughout the Apartment

The court document says the man’s mouth was bloody, and it appeared he had teeth knocked out. The responding officers also found blood throughout the residence and indicated the apartment appeared to be in disarray.

The criminal complaint says the victim was able to speak with the officers and told them that Ruach had struck him on the head and midsection multiple times before he lost consciousness. The man indicated the attack occurred about 30 minutes prior to the officers’ arrival.

Demanded Money

The victim indicated he had kicked Ruach out of his apartment and that Ruach had been threatening him while demanding a tax return and money. Ruach was also accused of stealing the victim’s wallet and phone.

Loss of Vision

Court documents say the victim lost vision in his left eye following the assault and that his care team was working to prevent him from losing vision in his right eye.

Following his arrest, Ruach told police that he had been financially assisting the victim and went to his residence, where the two got into an argument over money. He also admitted the confrontation escalated into a physical altercation.

Multiple Felony Charges

Ruach was charged with first- and third-degree assault and first-degree aggravated robbery. He recently entered into a plea agreement and admitted to the first-degree aggravated robbery charge.

Prosecutors indicated they will request a prison sentence in the case. Ruach’s sentencing hearing is scheduled in Olmsted County court in June.